Putting rumours to rest: No trace of explosives at blast site

Six samples were collected by forensic experts who took six to eight hours to analyse them, says Rana SanaullahX

LAHORE: The Punjab government came out on Friday to lay to rest all rumours and conspiracy theories about the Defence blast, confirming the explosion was caused by an LPG cylinder and rejecting all claims of government efforts to play down a terrorist attack.

Addressing a press briefing on Friday, Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said no traces of explosives were found at the site of the explosion in DHA Z-Block.

“Six samples were collected by forensic experts who took six to eight hours to analyse them,” he said. “None of the samples indicated signs of explosive or any such material.”

Pointing out that the media grossly misreported the blast that occurred due to gas leakage, the minister requested reporters, especially from the electronic media, to show responsibility while covering such events and refrain from spreading panic.

Sanaullah, however, admitted there was a difference of opinion within the government regarding the explosion, especially considering its intensity. “The difference of opinion gave room to speculations that left the citizens of Lahore in the state of shock,” he added.

Answering a question regarding Pakistan Super League, he said the government would determine the fate of the final match in a meeting later. The meeting, however, was inconclusive.

Answering another question about rumour mongering, Home Secretary Azam Suleman said the military’s media wing had disowned the fake voice messages, saying all valid ISPR statements were available on their website.

Punjab police chief Musthaq Shukhera, who also accompanied the law minister, also refuted any advisory of shooting people who refused to stop at check point or snap checking.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 25^th, 2017.